Folding table



Aug. 18, 1925.

P. L. HoFsTAD FOLDING TABLE:

Filed Sept. 11, 1922 2 sheets-'smet 1 O We u? MM Trae/#EVS Aug. 18, 1925.

P. L. HOFSTAD FOLDI NG TABLE Filed Sept. 11, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 L. Hofs-mn Patented Aug. 18, 1925.

PAUL L. HOFSTAD, OF MNNEAPOLI'S, MNNESOTA..

FOLDING TABLE.

Application filed. September 11, 1922. Serial No. 587,519.

T 0 all whom t may concern.'

Be it known that l, PAUL L. Horsren, a citizen of the Kingdom of Norway, residing in Minneapolis, county of Hennepin, and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding Tables, of which the following is a specifi cation.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in folding` tables and more particularly relates to tables capable of being adapted for various uses.

The object of my invention is to provide a folding table which when unfolded may be used as a picnic table, or a childs play table, and when partially folded may be used as a childs writing desk. 1t may also be folded in such a manner as to provide a very convenient and practical writing desk when held upon the knees by an older person.

A further object is to provide a folding table which when folded will form a very neat and compact boX into which the usual picnic utensils, such as dishes, cutlery, table cloth, napkins, etc., may be conveniently packed, thereby, also adapting it for use as an automobile picnic table, requiring but very little space when packed in a car.

A further object is to provide an apparatus of the class described of comparatively simple and inexpensive construction, and at the same time, very strong and durable.

Other objects of the invention will more fully appearl from the following detailed description `and the accompanying drawings and will be pointed out in the annexed claims.

In the drawings there has been disclosed a structure adapted to carry out the objects of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is not confined to the eiact features shown, and various changes may be made within the scope of the claims which follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device adapted for use as a table;

Figure 2 is aperspective view showing the device adapted for use as a childs writing desk; l

Figure 3 is a similar View showing the device partially folded and adapted for use as writing desk or table for an older person when placed upon the knees.

Figure i is a similar view showing the table folded;

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the table showing the legs at one end unfolded while those at the other end are folded to lie flat against the under side of the table top.

Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the device, as shown in Figure 1, and showing the simple method of unfolding the legs.

Figure 7 is a detailed sectional view of one of the hinges.

ln the selected embodiment of the invention herein shown, for purposes of disclosure, there is illustrated a table having two sections of any suitable material, preferably wood, each section comprising a top 8 and side rails 9, preferably grooved to receive the edges of the table top, as shown in Figure l. Cross rails 11 are provided at the outer end of each section and are secured to the 'underside of the table top and to the ends of the side rails 9 by any suitable means. Similar cross rails 12 are provided adjacent the inner edges of the two sections and in like manner are secured to the under side of the table top, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.

The two table sections are connected together by suitable hinges 13, preferably secured to the inner side of the side rails 9 by suitable screws 14. Referring to Figure 7, it will be noted that the straps 15 of the hinges are substantially above the joints or pivots in said hinges, said straps being arranged in aligned relation with each other and adapted to have their inner ends abut, as shown at 16, Figure 7, when the table is unfolded. This particular type of hinge also provides a very substantial connection between the two table sections when unfold` ed to the position shown in Figures 1 and 6, keeping 'said sections in true alignmentwith each other and positively preventing the table top from sagging as a result of continued hard use, or when heavily loaded.

A pair of suitable supporting legs 17 are preferably provided at each end of the table, and rigidly connected together at their upper ends by a suitable cross member 18. These legs are pivotally connected to the side rails 9 by metallic strips or braces 19 in such a manner as to permit them to be folded against the underside of the table top, as shown on the right hand side of Figure 5. On the right hand side of Figure G, I have shown the legs partially unfolded by full lines, While the dotted lines onlthis same side of the figure indica-te the position assumed when fully extended or unfolded. rlhe legs on the left hand side of this figure are also shown in their Iunfolded position. Suitable Wooden blocks 20 are preferably secured to the underside of the table top adjacent each end and a suitable distance from the cross rails l1, thereby providing a gap between said rails and the blocks 2O adapted to receive the cross member 1S when the legs are in the position shown on the left hand side of Figure 6. rlhus, When the legs are unfolded, and the table is placed upon the supporting` legs, the blocks 2O and braces 19 ivill positively prevent the from accidentally collapsing thus providing a very rigid and substantial table.

YWhen it is desired to collapse or fold the table, the legs are folded Within their corresponding table sections, as above described, and the tivo sections are folded over, as shown in Figure 4t, thus forming a very neat and compact boi; in which the usual picnic utensils may be conveniently packed and carried in an automobile when the device is used as a picn'e table. vWhen used for this purpose, the seat cushions of the automobile have been found to provide very practical and comfortable seats placed upon the ground about the table. The users may also sit upon the ground, the table being of a suitable height to be conveniently reached from that position. rlhe table may also be used as a childs play table in the nursery or playroom and When not in use may be folded up and stored aivay.

rlhis table may also be converted into a childs Writing desk, as shown in Figure Q, by merely folding the two sections With the legs in their unfolded position until the ends of the legs engage each other. The table is then placed upon the floor resting upon the ends of the side rails 9 and the outer sur face of the ends of the legs of one section, While the other section is supported in a slightly inclined position upon its support ing legs. In thisv position the device provides a very useful and convenient Writing desk for a young child.

It may also be adapted for use as a writing desk, or table for an older person when folded, as shown in Figure 3, and held upon the knees.

The table may be made in various sizes or dimensions and of any suitable Wood or other material that may be adapted for the purpose, and of course, the exterior finish may be of any grade or character desired.

l claim as my invention:

l. A table comprising two duplicate sections having their abutting edges hinged one upon the other transversely of the table and adapted to be unfolded in substantial alignment one with the other, a pair of legs at each end of said table, each pair having a cross-bar between the legs, said table sections having cross-bars in the under side thereof near their outer ends and blocks spaced therefrom forming recesses or seats to receive the upper ends of the pairs of legs, and the connecting cross-bars therefor, links pivotally connecting the upper portions of said legs with said sections, said legs when disengaged from their' seats folding with said links into recesses provided in the under side of said sections and being concealed When the sections are folded over one upon the other.

2. A table comprising sections hinged one upon the other transversely of the table and adapted to be unfolded into substantial alignment one with the other, a pair of legs at each end of said table, each pair having a cross-bar between the legs, the table sections having cross-bars in the under side thereof and blocks spaced therefrom forming recesses or seats to receive the upper ends of the pairs of legs and the connecting cross-bars, links pivotally connecting the upper portions of said legs with fixed pivots on said sections, said pairs of legs when disengaged from their seats being partially revolved so that their lower ends are at the outer ends of the sections and their upper ends adjacent the hinges of the sections, and said legs fitting Within the sections and concealed When the table is closed.

3. A table comprising top sections hinged together at one edge tranversely of the table, and having recesses formed in the under side thereof, said sections When extended being in substantial alignment With each other, legs arranged in pairs at the outer ends of said section and loosely fitting Within seats provided inthe under side of said sections, links pivotally connecting the upperl portions of said pairs of legs with fixed pivots on said sections, said legs when folded being adapted to lit Within said recesses With their upper ends at the inner ends of said sections and their lower ends at the outer ends of said sections.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 5th day of September 1922.

PAUL L. HOFSTAD. 

